How to Use Kratom

Traditionally, kratom leaves were often chewed raw to produce the desired effect, but fresh leaves are rarely used in the west and are hard to come by. Ground powder is the most popular way of taking kratom but there are other ways such as making tea or using resin or tincture as well. Now let’s take a look at some of the different ways you can take kratom:

Toss and Wash

As you may have guessed, this method refers to ‘tossing’ some kratom powder in your mouth and ‘washing’ it down with a beverage. It is an obviously straightforward method that gets the job done. The powder may have a slight bitter taste while it is in your mouth, but overall the toss n’ wash method is fast and easy. This is the most popular and simplest method of consuming Kratom.

This method might not necessarily be easy for beginners since the raw powder tastes very bitter to some. After swallowing, you can drink juice, water or any other drink to clear the aftertaste from your mouth. Once the residue is down, the taste will subside quickly and does not generally linger. It might also be a good idea to split the dose into small amounts as opposed to taking a single mouthful at once.

Mixing With Food

You can also experiment consuming your kratom with various food products. The main intention of this method is to mask the taste of raw powder, but you might be required to use a higher dosage to get the maximum outcome. Common mixing agents include chilled applesauce, oatmeal, pudding, protein shakes or even baked goods.

Brewing a Tea

Kratom can be prepared into a tea by boiling and stewing kratom powder or dried leaves in water for approximately 20-30 minutes. The effects of a kratom tea can take longer to kick in but often can provide a prolonged feeling of effects more strongly then raw powder. The idea is that the cooking process alters the alkaloids in the kratom, allowing the effects to last longer. This is the most time-consuming method of consumption but a solid choice for tea lovers.

Take in Capsule Form

Probably the most popular way of consuming kratom other than as a powder, is in the capsule form. This method avoids the unpleasant taste of kratom all together but prepackaged capsules are going to cost more than powder. You can always capsule your own if you want to save, just keep in mind that you may have to swallow a dozen or more capsules to achieve the effects you desire.

Eating Dried Leaves

Aside from chewing raw leaves off of the tree, using dried kratom leaves is perhaps the most ‘pure’ way of taking it but not necessarily the most efficient. The leaves themselves can be very bitter and often take a while to chew. Many leaves are often needed to produce effects and the process can feel like a chore.

Smoking It

Smoking kratom is essentially a waste of time and money. A large amount of kratom would need to be smoked to be effective which doesn’t seem appealing to most when they can simply throw it down with a cold beverage without all of the hassle.

Topical Use

Topical creams and ointments are another form in which kratom can be taken. Those that use it say that it works as an analgesic, helping to control pain on the applied area. There are mixed reviews about this type of application but it seems promising and may be worth a try.

Extract/Resin

A potent way of taking kratom is by using an extract or resin. This is usually achieved by cooking the kratom in water or other liquid–as the mixture condenses it becomes very concentrated and thick, like syrup. This part is the resin, which can be used as-is or can be dried, ground and turned back into powder extract.

Tincture

A tincture is a liquid extract that is made when an organic compound like kratom is dissolved in alcohol. The alcohol, usually ethanol, serves as a potent solvent that concentrates the kratom during the extraction process, making the tincture very strong by volume. Mixing the tincture with various additives can make it more tasty to consume.

Safe Usage Guidelines

While kratom doesn’t present any real danger to users, it is wise to err on the side of caution: which is why we don’t recommend that anyone use it more than 2-3 times a week. This is to make sure there’s only enough of it in your blood to be useful without making it a habit.

In essence, you should reserve kratom as a special but occasional treat, and not use it every day for its powerful effects. This way, you will avoid building a tolerance or habituation and therefore get even more pleasure from it. Of course, using the proper kratom dosage is essential to the safe usage of the plant.

Recreational Use of Kratom

At a high recreational dose, some users prefer the sedated feeling of euphoria to the stimulant effects of kratom. While this can be dangerous, hallucinations can occur due to compounds present which have a deliriant effect. General confusion follows high dosages of kratom, with users relishing in the fun found thanks to the elevated feeling of well-being and general good mood which it causes.

Dependence can arise, with those addicted even being at risk of falling into kratom-induced psychosis. We do NOT recommend using Mitragyna Speciosa in that way.

Possible Interactions

Those suffering from liver and kidney damage should refrain from using kratom. It is fairly easy for the liver to process, yet if yours is under strain, then either start with a very low dose or avoid taking it at all. In addition, those suffering from or at risk of hypothyroidism should take kratom with care.

Dangerous combinations include taking kratom with 1,4-Butanediol, 2M2B, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, GHB/GBL, methaqualone, and opioids. The side effects can include severe muscle relaxation, total prolonged sedation, intense respiratory depression, and a range of amnesic effects. Kratom and depressants can even be fatal.

In addition, kratom should not be combined with other stimulants as this can cause an abnormal heartbeat, irregular and elevated perspiration, wide-spread agitation, and severe anxiety. Certain combinations can lead to dangerously high blood pressure, and heighten the risk of seizures. The only other common contraindication is very mild. Nicotine and kratom do not always work well together, at times leading to nausea and dizziness.

Conclusion

As you can see, Mitragyna Speciosa is a very diverse plant that can be used in numerous ways. If you’re just starting out, then experiment with different methods until you find which one is right for you. If you can comfortably handle the bare taste of kratom powder, then the ‘toss and wash method’ might be the best option for you.

Otherwise, feel free to mix the powder with foods and drinks to mask the taste. When you finally get the best method, remember to start slow, increase gradually and watch out for side effects and overdose symptoms.